Space Needle employees, supporters rally outside NLRB trial in Seattle

UPDATE (Sept. 18, 2013 — by WSLC President Jeff Johnson) — More than 100 labor and community members rallied outside the Federal Building in Seattle on Tuesday to bear witness to the Space Needle trial before a National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge. Space Needle management has balked at signing a union contract for the past two-and-a-half years and is on trial for outright union busting — trying to convince workers to drop their union and refuse to pay union dues, suspending union activists, and threatening loss of employment.

Hospitality workers have been serving up quality service and loyalty to the Space Needle and its patrons for 50 years. Unfortunately, the Space Needle owners and managers refuse to serve up dignity and respect on the job. So now it is time for the NLRB to serve up the justice that workers and their community allies have fought for, for so long.

The following is from UNITE HERE Local 8:

SEATTLE (Sept. 13, 2013) — All over the city, workers are standing up for a better future. Fast-food workers, grocery workers, airport workers, Walmart workers… and hospitality workers! Even places that serve filet mignon are having trouble serving up respect to their workers.

The federal government is taking the Space Needle to trial next week for numerous Unfair Labor Practice charges. Join workers outside the courtroom to tell Space Needle management to finally serve up some respect and settle a fair contract! The Rally at the Space Needle Trial will be Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. outside the Federal Building, 915 2nd Ave. in Seattle.

With the labor dispute now in its third year, the Space Needle management has terminated and suspended union activists, told workers that they could be replaced, denied overtime pay to workers, and encouraged workers to resign from the union and not pay their dues.

Your support, standing with the workers on the picket line, writing letters to the owners, delegating management, and signing petitions has helped Space Needle workers stay strong in their struggle for a fair contract, even in the face of union-busting tactics. So please keep demonstrating that solidarity by joining Space Needle workers and their supporters on Sept. 17 at the Rally and the Space Needle Trial.

For more information, email Jasmine Marwaha of UNITE HERE Local 8.